John Martin's Christmas Pageant

30/05/2026

Over the years there have been many local identities given the task of welcoming Father Christmas to town and almost all (with a few exceptions) had a connection to hosting children's television and these commentators knew how to not only speak to children but to make them feel like they were part of the magic.

With the broadcast being transmitted in black and white until 1974 most of the commentator's duties were to describe the colours of the pageant, creating a sense of wonderment for the home viewer.

All the commentators had a basic outline of what floats they were describing but to make it sound unscripted and natural is an art form in itself.

Who was your favourite commentator over the years?

Anthony

21/05/2026

Poor Donald, after almost completing his pageant duties aboard the S.S. Foam Sprite, he looks absolutely sea sick.

The pageant floats would normally cease at Red Cross House on North Terrace allowing riders to safely disembark before banking elsewhere before their return to the bulk store.

Anthony

10/05/2026

Magic as far as the eye can see.

Here three floats are visible, the enchanting Stardust Castle, the perennial favourite, Nimble, and the man everyone wants to see, Father Christmas. The 1986 John Martin's Christmas Pageant is remembered for celebrating the states 150th Jubilee.

Although the pageant of 1986 is coming to an end, 1987 is already being planned not to make it not bigger but better than the last.

Anthony

Photo: Ryan Smith Flickr

01/05/2026

Hello everyone,

Apologies for our downtime — rest assured, I’m currently busy scanning and sorting through tons of memorabilia to share with you all.

Sit tight — the best is yet to come!

Anthony

22/04/2026

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - November 14th

The most magical date on the South Australian calendar is set ⭐

Mark your diaries – the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant returns to the streets of Adelaide on Saturday 14 November 2026.

18/04/2026

Have you ever stopped by Sir Edward Hayward’s plaque on the Jubilee 150 Walkway (aka North Terrace)? it was officially opened on 21 December 1986. The plaques were commissioned as part of the celebrations commemorating the states 150th anniversary.

That same year the pageants opening celebrated the states jubilee. In fact the “Wombat Flats Cricket Club” featured non other than Jubilee Wombat as a special guest.

Anthony

26/03/2026

Postcard 12 from 1979 sees Father Christmas arrive at the landing stage on North Terrace.

With another successful pageant ending, and all you have to do is sit on Father Christmas’ lap and tell him what you would like under the tree on Christmas morning .

Anthony

21/03/2026

Postcard eleven from the 1979 series is the grand old man himself, Father Christmas.

Here’s here once again. On time and a smile and a wave for all.

Anthony

14/03/2026

Postcard 10 in the 1979 series belongs to Combo.

Combo made his debut in 1972, born from a suggestion during a discussion about retiring the Gulliver float. Originally appearing in various storybook forms, the float took on a new look when someone jokingly proposed, “turn him into a clown.” The idea caught on, and Combo quickly became a standout.

Designed by Anton Riebe, the same artist behind the giant Father Christmas (currently featured on a facade of the Central Market), Combo left a lasting mark on pageant history.

Hugely memorable and widely adored, many consider him John Martin’s greatest float. His charm and winning smile continue to resonate, ensuring Combo’s place as a legend of the Christmas Pageant.

Anthony

10/03/2026

Postcard number 9 showcases “Maximilian’s Flying Circus” as it appeared in 1979, a thrilling attraction known for its daring stunts and vintage appeal.

Before adopting this name, the plane was named the “Red Baron and the Stunt Plane". The following year, the Flying Circus was refurbished and reimagined for one final spectacular performance as “Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machine,” inspired by the famous 1965 film.

This transformation marked the end of era. Whilst the plane had many different names and colour schemes, there was one common denominator, the plane wasn’t built to fly.

Anthony